Management Skills Knowledge and Attibutes
INTRODUCTION The world of management is changing at an unprecedented rate which places pressure on managers to adapt in order to cope with the challenges that emerge. A manager responsible for leading a Learning Focused Organisation in the 21st Century should possess some important skills, knowledge and attributes (SKAs) to lead an organisation effectively. Ten SKAs will be looked at with supporting evidence demonstrating their importance to managers in a fast moving world.
10 SKAs
1. Effective communication skills are a large aspect of a manager’s role in a 21st century organisation as it is an every day skill which entails many facets. Listening, verbalising and sharing knowledge spreading through all levels of an organisation. Infante et al argues that the communication process must include tools which encourage openness, dialogue and honesty within a multicultural and changing organisation (Infante et al, 1995, pp 307).
2. Relationship building skills are important in creating and maintaining quality contacts that may help a manager to access various resources needed to develop a Learning Focused Organisation. Jacowski (2008) suggest that building lasting relationships with those in similar industries is vital, as they can provide valuable services for an organisation in the future.
3. Time management skills are important, Brooks & Schofields (1995, p4) state “time equals money and that without effective management; both time and money are consumed quickly and can appear to evaporate”. Time spent on specific tasks can be measured through estimation, questioning and interviewing resulting in the saving of money and the overall time scale spent to be market ready (Brooks & Schofields, 1995). The allocation of time, money and resources is a vital component to developing a Learning Focused Organisation in the 21st Century.
4. Problem solving is a valuable skill derived from a rational or logical perspective incorporating four steps. Carlopio,
10 SKAs
1. Effective communication skills are a large aspect of a manager’s role in a 21st century organisation as it is an every day skill which entails many facets. Listening, verbalising and sharing knowledge spreading through all levels of an organisation. Infante et al argues that the communication process must include tools which encourage openness, dialogue and honesty within a multicultural and changing organisation (Infante et al, 1995, pp 307).
2. Relationship building skills are important in creating and maintaining quality contacts that may help a manager to access various resources needed to develop a Learning Focused Organisation. Jacowski (2008) suggest that building lasting relationships with those in similar industries is vital, as they can provide valuable services for an organisation in the future.
3. Time management skills are important, Brooks & Schofields (1995, p4) state “time equals money and that without effective management; both time and money are consumed quickly and can appear to evaporate”. Time spent on specific tasks can be measured through estimation, questioning and interviewing resulting in the saving of money and the overall time scale spent to be market ready (Brooks & Schofields, 1995). The allocation of time, money and resources is a vital component to developing a Learning Focused Organisation in the 21st Century.
4. Problem solving is a valuable skill derived from a rational or logical perspective incorporating four steps. Carlopio,